Well, I'm puzzled by the D40 rumors. I can't imagine a 2x crop factor. This would mean a smaller sensor, which makes no sense other than reaching a different price point. The whole point of less inexpensive SLR with interchangeable lenses would be to sell for SLRs, ergo more lenses. Making a new and distinct lens line to sell more lenses is less favorable than selling what you are already making.

Nikon digital rangefinder? Wow, now that doesn't make any sense either. All those Leica/Contax zealots could switch to digital, but they wouldn't, 'cause its not German.

I think the tone for the near future will be set with the D80 or D90 or whatever it is. Like it or not, Canon seems to be the current leader. They started out slow, but have now raced past everybody.

There are all this Leica and Contax lovers who think that everything else is inferior, especially Japanese cameras and lenses. Most of these Leica lovers that think German lenses are the only good lenses aren't even German.

I agree, a digital rangefinder makes no sense economicaly. but consider an consumer point and shoot with interchangeble lenses, a D100 sensor and a good autofocus system. Not much bigger than a CP5700 and similarly priced. Well designed it could take over the top end of the consumer point and shoot digital market. Small and compact enough it could make a great UW camera with the right housing. All pure rumor though. The idea makes a lot of sense to me. Puts Nikon at the top of a market before anyone else enters it. Seems like the same concept in coming out with DX lenses.

but consider an consumer point and shoot with interchangeble lenses, a D100 sensor and a good autofocus system. Not much bigger than a CP5700 and similarly priced. Well designed it could take over the top end of the consumer point and shoot digital market. Small and compact enough it could make a great UW camera with the right housing. All pure rumor though. The idea makes a lot of sense to me. Puts Nikon at the top of a market before anyone else enters it. Seems like the same concept in coming out with DX lenses.

Isn't this where Olympus is headed with their SLR project? 4/3 sensor and internchangeable lenses to replace the E- series?

They had a "mockup" at Photokina last year and I read an interview with an OlympusAmerica rep not too long ago in which he mentioned the project. Nothing concrete yet, though. The party line still seems to be: "We are moving ahead with the project"

"We have discovered an excellent AFFORDABLE Housing for the CANON EOS D-60/80 Digital Camera and are now carrying the Jonah CD-60 Housing for those under water photographers that are using this CANON DIGITAL SLR Camera."

If this is true, and the D80 is the same body style, I am going to be SO HAPPY!